A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 44

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 44
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 44

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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FAYETTE.

FAYETTE was created by act of Assembly in 1831, and formed from a portion of Logan, Greenbrier, Nicholas and Kanawha counties. It is bounded by its parent counties, N. E., N. and N. W. by Kanawha and Ni- eholas, E. by Greenbrier, S. E. by the same, S. and S. W. by Logan, and W. by Logan and Kanawha. The limits of its latitude and longitude, or its extent in miles, we have no means of ascertaining.

The mountains in this county are innumerable. The Gauly mountain has acquired the greatest notoriety on account of its having been the line dividing the county of Kanawha from Greenbrier,-it is a continuation of the Cumberland mountain, which runs from south to north, and is cloven asunder. by New river, Big and Little Sewel mountains, dividing Fayette from Greenbrier. There are many more of less note.

New river runs through the whole county from E. to W. It is exceed- ingly rapid and precipitous. The junction of New river and Gauly, con- stitute the noble great Kanawha, 2 ms. above the falls, and 11 above the Kanawha county line. New river is navigable at no place between the eastern line of the county, and the place where it looses its name by ming- ling its waters with those of Gauly, -- indeed there are but few places which admit of ferries. The stream is borne down with so much force and precipitancy, as to render its crossing very hazardous,-foaming and pitching down a rough and rocky channel, with as much fury as if precipitated down a succession of precipices. The falls being so ra- pidly successive as to resemble artificial steps. Gauly river is the next in order, it is the line between the counties of Fayette and Nicholas for seve-

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-FAYETTE.

ral miles : after it comes within 6 miles of New river it ceases to be the line and bends round to the S. W. and mects that noble and capacious stream. It is navigable about 8 ms. above its mouth.

The Clear Fork and March Fork of Coal, also either take their rise in this county, or acquire great accession as they pass through it. Their ca- pacity is too small to admit of being much navigated.

There is a great diversity of soil in this county, it being rich, midling and sterile, and producing corn, wheat, rye, oats and potatoes of both kinds. 'There are no manufactories of note. The mineral resources of the county have not been at all developed. There are strong and innumerable indica- tions of iron ore,-much surface ore is found in many places, indicating banks of ore, and chalybeate springs are interspersed all over the county.

Mounds apparently of great antiquity are found in some places; from one of which, a human skeleton and many artificial curiosities, such as were common among Indians, have been taken. "The Kanawha Turnpike passes through this whole county from E. to W. and by travelling along it within 8 or 10 ms. of the junction of New river and Gauly, you come in sight of the former, you stand on a high cliff of rocks called Marshal's pil- lar, or the Hawk's nest, and see the river dashing and pitching with mad- dening fury, eight hundred or a thousand feet below you,-you approach the edge of the rock to Joelcover with greut caution and timidity, and few have been so bold and daring, as to approach the edge of the precipice so near as to take a perpendicular view to the bottom,-you may stand on the top of this cliff, and throw a stone into the river below. By drawing a su- perficial line from the top of the precipice to the bottom of the river, thence to the opposite cliff, and thence a horizontal line to the beginning, you would have a triangle, the perpendicular of which would be about 850 ft."

The falls of Kanawha constitutes a curiosity to be specially remarked. The whole stream perhaps a half a mile in width, is precipitated over a craggy rock several perpendicular feet. The rock crosses the river obliquely, and when the water is low it is divided into two prongs, one of which washes the southern, and the other the northern shore, affording the finest water power to propel machinery of any perhaps in Virginia; but when the water is high, the rock is covered with one unbroken sheet, and presents to the beholder a sight of great sublimity.

! . As this county has been created since the last census, there is no means of ascertaining its population, which was then included in that of its parent. counties. It belongs to the 18th judicial circuit, and 9th district. Tax .paid in 1833, $220 80-in 1834,-on land, $129 65-79 slaves, 819 75 : -809 horses, $48 54-3 studs, $9 00-8 carryalls, $8 00-1 gig, $1 00. Total, 8215 94. No report of school commissioners for 1832. Expend- ed in educating poor children in 1833, 8278 70.

County Courts are held on the 3rd Monday in every month :- Quarter- ly in March, June, August and November.

JUDGE DUNCAN holds his Superior Court of Law and Chancery on the 1st of April and September.

Fayette being a new county, and the county town not yet designated, we therefore place the courts immediately under the head of the county.

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-FLOYD.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

COAL RIVER MARSHES, P. O. 227 ) Virginia. There are here 2 saw ms. from R. and 336 from W.

GAULEY'S BRIDGE, P. O. 278 ms. N. W. of R. and 344 S. W. by W. off W., situated at the falls of the Great Kanawha river, 2 ms. below the junc- tion of Gauley and New river, and 35 above Charleston. The river is here 500 yds. wide and has a fall of 22 ft. over a ledge of rocks, which ex- tends entirely across the stream, and is received into a basin below, 60 ft in depth. This is the last navigable point on the Kanawha, and presents and 288 from W. one of the best sites for machinery in)

mills, 1 manufacturing flour mill, 2 mercantile stores, and 1 hotel. A daily mail arrives. This is one of the wildest und most picturesque re- gions of the state. A very fine bridge erected at the expense of the state, at this spot, was consumed a few years since by fire, applied by an incen- diary.

MOUNTAIN COVE, P. O. 273 ms. from R. and 315 from W.

SEWELL's, P. O. 246 ms. from R.

FLOYD.

FLOYD was created by the Legislature in January 1831, and formed' from a portion of Montgomery county. It is bounded N. by Montgomery, -E. by Franklin-S. by Patrick,-and W. by Grayson. It is 35 miles in length from E. to W, and its mean width is 15.

Floyd is mountainous, but there is only one of the many knobs and spurs which cover its surface, which deserves to be noticed ; and this is but little less worthy of observation than the celebrated Peaks of Otter of Bed- ford. This is called from its resemblance to the animal, the Buffalo Knob. It is not itself so high as the Peaks of Otter, but its base is more elevated than theirs, and the prospect from the top is truly sublime. On the north, east, and west, the beholder is amazed at the boundless succession of mountains rising beyond mountains,-whilst far away to the south, the plain seems to stretch to an interminable length. On the east the knob is 'accessible on horse-back, being two miles in height from the beginning of the ascent to the highest point; on the west it breaks off precipitately, and presents the shape of the animal whose name it bears. i

This country is watered by Little river, a branch of New river. Little river is composed of three branches, called South, Middle, and West Forks, upon which are situated the most fertile and extensive meadows in the county. Laurel Fork, a branch of Big Reedy Island creek, waters the southwestern portion of the county. It washes the base of the Buffalo Knob .- This county lying upon the Alleghany, where it approaches the Blue Ridge, is not very fertile. It is much better adapted to grazing, than to grain. Indian corn does not thrive well, but wheat, rye, oats, and buck- wheat, are raised in the greatest abundance. Horses, oxen, hogs and sheep are raised for market in great quantities, and are the only staples. Popu- lation between 7 and 8000, and rapidly increasing. It belongs to the 16th judicial circuit and 8th district. Taxes paid in 1833, $294 46 -- in 1834, on lots, 811 54-on land, 8171 56-151 slaves, 837 75-1191 horses,

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$71 46-6 studs, 827 00-1 coach, 82 00-5 carryalls, 85 00. Total, $316 31. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, 8105 52-in 1833, 8544 50.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

JACKSONVILLE, P. V. and son C. H., and 35 N. of Patrick C. seat of justice, 227 ms. from R. and H. Such is the healthiness, that there 305 from W. This village is located is only 1 physician in the county. in the most fertile and healthy part of County Courts are held on the 3d thecounty. The lots were laid off some Monday in every month ;- Quarter- 12 months since, and a considerable ly in March, June, August and No. number of them sold. It of course vember. does not contain many improvements JUDGE SAUNDERS holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chance- ry on the 17th of April and Septem, as yet. There is however a hand- some court house erected, 5 dwelling houses, and a number of others are ber. now building, 2 mercantile stores, 1 SIMPSON'S P. O. situated 21 ms. N. E. of the C. H. 211 ms. from R. and 289 from W. house of public entertainment, 1 tan yard, 1 saddler, 1 blacksmith shop, and post office. Jacksonville is situ- ated 100 ms. W. of Lynchburg, its chief market or place of trade, 35

. STONEY FORK, P. O. 229 ms. from R. and 307 from W., situated 2 ms. W. of the C. H. It contains a mer- W ... of Franklin C. H., 20 S. of cantile store, tavern, and blacksmith Montgomery C. H., 55 E. of Gray- shop.

FREDERICK.

FREDERICK was created by act of Assembly in 1738, and formed from a portion of Orange. It is bounded N. by Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson,-E. by Loudoun and Fauquier,-S. by Shenandoah,-and W. by Hardy and Hampshire. Its mean length is 29 miles, mean breadth 253 ; and its area 745 square miles. It lies between lat. 38° 50' and 39º 25' N. and long. 0° 48' and 1º 28' W. of W. C. The surface of this county is very much diversified by hill and mountain scenery, and by di- versity of soil. It occupies S. from the Potomac part of the continuation of the great valley, in which are situated Lebanon, the lower part of Dau- phin, the greatest part of Cumberland and Franklin counties, Pennsyl- vania, and Jefferson and Berkley counties, Virginia. The Shenandoah river traverses the southeastern border meandering along the north western base of the Blue Ridge. Opequan, Back and Sleepy creeks, flowing N. N. E. into the Potomac, also rise in Frederick. The slope of the county is of course northeastward, in a similar direction with the streams. The ground near Harper's Ferry and along the Potomac is about 200 feet above tide water, and allowing a similar rise from the Potomac, the mean height of Frederick would be about 400 feet. The soil of this county is highly productive, though the face of the county is considerably broken by mountain ridges. It is one of the wealthiest, most hospitable, and most in- telligent counties in the State. Population in 1810, 22,574-1820, 24,706 -- 1830, 26,046. It belongs to the thirteenth judicial circuit, and seventh

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-FREDERICK.

district. Tax paid in 1833, $8,987 19-in. 1834 on lots, $1,113 71. land, $5,514 65-3,842 slaves, 8960 50-8,506 horses, $510 36-38 studs, $453 00-158 coaches, $427 80-2 stages, 84 00-47 carryalls, $63 90-31 gigs, 871 75. 'Total, $),119 67. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, 81186 85-in 1333, $1988 47.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BACK CREEK VALLEY, P. O. 164 |banks, in a valley between the river ms. from R. and 85 W. of W.

and Blue Ridge, near the junction of BATTLETOWN, or BERRYVILLE, P. O. 160 ms. from R. and 59 N. W. of W. This is a healthy and flour- ishing little village, situated on Ope- quan creek, on the direct post road the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, and Shenandoah. The situation of this village is eligible and pleasant. It contains 37 dwelling houses, 2 houses of public worship, (1 Metho- from Winchester to Washington dist, a neat brick building, and 1 free City, 12 miles from the former .. It for all denomination,) 2 academies, contains about 30 dwelling houses, 1 in one of which is taught the Lan- guages, 2 houses of public entertain- worship, lately erected, 1 academy, ment, 4 mercantile stores, and 1 handsome Episcopal house of public and 3 female schools, 2 mercantile

apothecary shop. There is one ex- stores, several mechanic shops, &c. tensive manufacturing flour mill, 3

But the business principally transact- ed in this place is of a commercial nature. GENERAL MORGAN of Re- volutionary memory, resided for a considerable part of his life in. the immediate vicinity of this village. It was the scene of m ny of those personal and party combats for which he was so remarkable. This cir- cumstance is said to have given rise to the name of Battletown-by which wagon makers, which have acquired some celebrity, 3 tan yards, 2 sad- dlers, 3 boot and shoe factories, 3 smith shops, 2 tailors, 1 chair maker, 1 cabinet maker, 2 house joiners, 1 brick maker, and i wheat fan manu- factory. Population 350 persons, of whom 1 is an attorney, and 3 are regular physicians. There is a small and beautiful stream passing through the E. end of this village, on the it is now generally known. Its pro- main street, called Happy creek, per name is Berryville. Population which is visited by fish when the about 300 persons; of whom 2. are attorneys, and 5 regular physicians.

BRUCETOWN, P. O. 157 ms. from -R: and 79 from W., situated 7 ms. . W .. of Winchester. It contains about flour mills, turned by the noble She- 25 houses, 1 Methodist house of pub- lic, 2 mercantile stores, 1 tavern, 2 manufacturing flour mills; 1 tailor, 1 wagon maker, 1 smith shop, and 1 boot and shoe factory. Population 75.

Shenandoah is high; and a beauti- ful range of mountain scenery pre- sents itself in view of the town. In the vicinity are three manufacturing

nandoah river. About 34 of a mile from the W. end of this place, but in Shenandoah county, is situated Al- len's Care, said by some to surpass Weyer's cave for the extent and su- blimity of its caverns. (See Allen's cave, Shenandoah Co.) This cave is much frequented by parties in the

: FRONT ROYAL, P. V. 139 ms. from R. and 75 W. of W. It is sit- uated in the extreme southeastern summer season. The surrounding angle of the county, 20 ms. S. E. of country, viewing it from this village, Winchester, on the S. side of the is grand and picturesque. There are Shenandoah river, a mile from its many handsome residences and de-

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-FREDERICK,

lightful seats situated on eminences in the neighborhood. Among them is the agreeable mansion of the hos- pitable and venerable JAMES MAR- SHALL, (a brother of the Chief Jus- tice,) whose residence is situated on Happy creek, after which it is very properly named, as those who have been its guests will be willing to tes- tify .*

MANASSAS' GAP, P. O. 134 ms. W. of W.C. ..

MIDDLETOWN, P. V. 158 ms. from R. and 84 N. W. of W., situated on Cedar creek, near the south western border of the county, 13 ms. S. W. of Winchester. It is a thriving and healthy village, containing about 55 dwelling houses, 1 Methodist and 1 Episcopalian house of worship, ~4 mercantile stores, 2 common schools, 2 hotels, 1 tanyard, 1 saddler, 1 ex- tensive wheat machine manufactory, which sells annually 10 or 12 ma-

GAINSBORO', P. O. 159 ms. from R. and 80 W. of W., situated on the road leading to Cumberland, 9 ms. N. W. of Winchester, I mile W. of Hog creek, and # E. of Back creek. chines at 8400 each. The other It contains 30 dwelling houses, 2 mechanics are wagon makers, black- smiths, boot and shoe makers, 2 sil- versmiths and watch makers, 3 tai- lors, 1 cabinet maker, and 1 chair and bedstead maker. There is a flourishing academy situated two and a half miles distant from this village, which is under the superintendence of the Rev. John Lodor. There are two manufacturing flour mills in the vicinity. Population about 300 per- sons, 1 of whom is a physician. houses of public worship, (1 Metho- dist and 1 Quaker,) 1 common school, and 1 house of public entertainment. 'There are 2 tan yards, 2 saddlers, 1 boot and shoe maker, 3 smith shops, 1 cabinet maker, 1 house carpenter, 1 tailor, and 1 cooper. Population 100 persons, of whom 1 is a physi- cian. In the vicinity is located a woollen manufactory, and 2 manu- facturing flour mills.

HOWELLSVILLE, P. V. 147 ms. MILLWOOD, P. V. 139 ms. from from R. and 94 N. W. by W. of R. and 66 N. W. by W. of W., situ- W., situated immediately on the ated 11 ms. S. E. by E. of Winches- ter. It contains 21 dwelling houses, 3 mercantile stores, 1 Episcopalian banks of the Shenandoah, where Howells' run empties into that river, about 7 ms. distant both from Front house of public worship, a neat build- Royall and Berry's Ferry. This ing lately erected, I extensive tan- nery, 1 boot and shoe factory, 2 tai- lors, 1 wagon maker, 1 blacksmith shop and 2 manufacturing flour mills, each grinding from 15 to 20,000 bushels of wheat annually. The country around is rich and thickly settled,-the land of superior quality, producing well all the ordinary sta- ples. Population 112 persons; of whom 1 is a physician. little village is rapidly improving. It contains 6 .or 8 dwelling houses, 1 house of public worship, free for all denominations, 1 miscellaneous store, 2 manufacturing flour mills, 1 wagon maker, 1 boot and shoc factory, 1 smith shop, 1 fancy weaver, 1 house carpenter, &c. The bottom lands in this neighborhood are exceedingly rich, and produce in abundance In- dian corn, wheat, rye, oats, &c. The NEWTOWN or STEPHENSBURG, P. V. 158 ms. from R. and 79 N. W. by W. of W. This village is situa- ted 8 ms. S. of Winchester. It con- tains 88 dwelling houses, an excellent lic worship, 1 belonging the Metbo- dist denomination, and the other held mountain lands are productive and well timbered. 'The Shenandoah is navigable 150 ms above this place, and boats descend the river from this point at all seasons with 50 barrels of market house, and 2 houses of pub- flour, and when the waters are high with 150. Population 30.

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-FREDERICK.

jointly by the Lutherans and German perous' condition, having about 100 Reformed churches, 3 schools, 1 well members. Population 150 persons; organized sunday school, 2 mercan-jof whom 3 are regular physicians. tile stores, 3 tan yards, and 3 saddlers. WHITE HALL, P. V. 158 ms. from - The principal occupations of the vil- R. and 79 N. W. of W. This vil- lage are wagon and wheat machine lage is situated near the northern line making .- Great numbers of wagons are made,-no less than 9 different establishments being engaged in this business, which make and send wa- gons to almost every part of the State, which for neatness, strength, and durability, are said not to be sur- passed in the United States. Popu- lation 700 persons; of whom 4 are regular physicians.

NINEVAN, P. O. 145 ms. from R. and 81 N. W. by W. of W. This place is situated in the northern part boot and shoe factory. In the vici- of the county, and conteins 5 dwel- ling houses, 1 wagon maker, 1 boot and shoe maker, 1 blacksmith shop, and 1 wheat machine manufactory. Population 30. This post office has recently been transferred to a country store, 2 miles distant, at which is lo- cated a tailor, boot and shoe maker, and a blacksmith shop. The country around is of limestone formation, and is very fertile and thickly settled with industrious and wealthy farmers.

PEMBROKE SPRINGS, P. O. 168 ms. from R. and 89 W. of W., situa- ·ted 18 ms. W. of Winchester.

SNICKER'S FERRY, P. O. 156 ms. from R. and 55 from W.

WHITE POST, P. O. 144 ms. from R: and 71 N. W. of W. This is a flourishing little village, situated 12 ms. S. E. of Winchester, in a beau- tiful and highly picturesque country, remarkable for the fertility of its soil and neatness of agriculture. It con- tains 30 dwelling houses, 1 house of public worship, free for all denomi- nations, and which is occupied also as an academy, 2 mercantile stores, 1 tavern, 1 saddler, 2 tailors, a smith, and various other mechanics. A temperance society was organized here, about 2 years since, called the White Post, and is now in a pros-

of the county, on Apple Pie Ridge. This ridge is an elevated and exten- sive ridge of fertile land, which pass- es under different names, through the counties of Berkeley and Frede- rick, in a direction nearly north and south. It contains 15 dwelling houses, 1 Methodist house of wor- ship, 1 school house, 1 sunday school and tract society, 2 miscellaneous stores, 2 wagon makers, 1 saddler, 1 tailor, 1 blacksmith, 1 cooper, and 1

nity, on Green Spring Run, a num- ber of excellent and extensive flour- manufacturing, grist and saw mills are located. The Run is a beautiful and never failing stream, which takes . its rise within 1 mile of the village, issuing out of the western side of Apple Pie Ride, it runs in a north- western direction, and falls into Bath creek. The situation of this place is pleasant and healthy. The sur- rounding country is limestone land of good quality, and in a high state of cultivation. The roads from Win- chester to Gerardstown pass through this village, distant 8 miles S. of the former, and 6 N. of the latter. The road . from Chark stown, Jefferson, also passes through to the Bloomery gap, or Sherrard's Store, distant 15 ins. from the former. Population 70. No physician or attorney reside in this place.

WINCHESTER, P. T. and Coun. ty Seat .- Of the large and wealthy county of Frederick, and one of the most considerable towns in western Virginia, is situated in N. lat. 39° 11', W. long. 77º 28' ;* distance from

* Agreeable to late observations of Capt. Graham, U. S. Topographical Engineer, and Mr. Bruce, principal of the Winches, ter Academy.

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WESTERN VIRGINIA-FREDERICK.

Washington, 71 ins .; Richmond, 150; in the plot of the town, Wood's addi- Harper's Ferry, 30. This place is tion. Trustees were then appointed situated in the fertile valley of Vir- ginia, in the midst of a rich and abun- dant country, and a thriving and in-

consisting of Lord Fairfax, Col. Mar- tin and others ;, Vide Henning's Sta- tutes at Large : vol. 7. p. 135. Addi- dustrious people. It is one of the tions to the town, were also made by oldest towns in western Virginia. Being somewhat celebrated in the his tory of our Indian warfare and revo- lutionary struggle, a brief review of its early history will, it is believed, be interesting, as it is closely connect- ed with the early actions of that emi- ment individual, who afterwards be- came endeared to his countrymen by the glorious deeds which gained him the noble title of Father of his coun- try. Tradition informs us that the ground on the edge of the present site of Winchester was occupied by a large and powerful tribe of Indians, called the Shawnees or Shawanees, and some springs at that point, are called the Shawnee Springs at this day. The earliest accounts of the settlement of tacks of the French and Indians, this Winchester, state that there were 2 houses on its present location as carly as 1738, situated near the town run; but its establishment as a town com- menced in Feb. 1752, in the 25th year of the reign of George the 11. when the General Assembly passed an "act for the establishment of the town of Winchester."* In 1758 it was en- larged in consideration of an addition- al quantity of land being laid off in lots by Col. James Wood, now called

Lord Fairfax.t Col. Wood is there- fore entitled to the honor of being the founder. Winchester is mentioned by General Washington, as being one of the points in his route, in his celebrat- ed mission, by order of Governor Dinwiddie, to the French authorities on the Ohio. Ile came from Alex- andria to Winchester where he pro- cured baggage horses, &c. This was in November 1753.1

In the French and Indian warfare that succeeded, Washington fixed his head quarters at Winchester, which was then a frontier settlement. The North mountain a few miles west of Winchester being the boundary .-- From the fear occasioned by the at-

place was almost the only settlement west of the Blue Ridge, which range of mountains, was as late as 1756, the north western frontier. At that pe- riod public stares to a large amount were deposited at Winchester, for the frontier settlement. After the distin- guished action at Great Meadows, Ju- ly 4, 1754, Washington returned with his regiment to Winchester to recruit, soon after which, he was joined by a few companies from Maryland and North Carolina, after which rein- forcement they were ordered by the Linetenant Governor, to march imme- diately over the Alleghany, to drive the French from Fort du Quesne, or build one in its vicinity. After the

*When the town of Winchester was first laid off by Lord Fairfax, he made the town lots of half an acre each, and by his con- veyances annexed an out-lot of five acres adjoining the town, to each town or in-lot; and by the condition of each grant, made the in and the out-lots inseparable, it being the design of this benevolent proprietor, that each house holder in town, owner of a lot, should always have appurtenant a con- venient parcel of land for small cultivation or pasturage.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 44

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry Publication date: 1835 Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278